Help! My Dog Ate a Chicken Bone: What To Do Next

So your furry friend just wolfed down a chicken bone when you weren’t looking? Don’t panic! While this situation definitely calls for attention, in most cases there’s no immediate cause for alarm. I’ve seen this happen countless times at our clinic, and I’m here to walk you through exactly what you need to know.

First Things First: Stay Calm and Assess

When I discovered my Lab mix Buddy had snatched a chicken wing bone off the counter last year, my heart nearly stopped. But rushing around in a panic won’t help your pup. Instead:

1. Check for choking signs – Is your dog gasping, pawing at their mouth, or having trouble breathing? These are emergency signs that require immediate veterinary help

2. DO NOT induce vomiting – This is super important! Many pet owners think getting the bone out ASAP is best, but inducing vomiting can actually cause sharp bone fragments to damage your dog’s esophagus on the way back up.

3. Take a deep breath – Most dogs will digest chicken bones without complications, The stomach acid in dogs is powerful stuff!

What Happens When Dogs Eat Chicken Bones?

Contrary to popular belief, dogs have been eating bones for thousands of years. Their digestive systems are actually designed to handle certain types of bones. Chicken bones, particularly when they’ve been cooked, tend to be hollow and can splinter more easily than other animal bones. This is why they cause concern.

The Digestion Process

When your dog swallows chicken bones, here’s typically what happens:

• The bones enter the stomach where powerful stomach acid begins breaking them down
• Most chicken bones will dissolve in the stomach acid within 24-48 hours
• The dissolved material passes through the intestines and out in their stool

Monitor Your Dog Closely

After your dog eats chicken bones, close observation is key Here’s what to watch for over the next 24-48 hours

• Choking: Immediate emergency requiring vet attention
• Vomiting: Especially if it contains blood
• Lethargy: Unusual tiredness or lack of energy
• Loss of appetite: Refusing to eat their normal food
• Abdominal pain: Whining when their belly is touched, unusual posture
• Bloody stool: Any blood in poop needs veterinary attention
• Straining to defecate: Difficulty pooping can indicate a problem
• Excessive drooling: More drool than normal
• Coughing or labored breathing: Could indicate bone fragment issues

Helpful Steps to Take at Home

While monitoring your pup, there are some things you can do to help the situation:

1. Feed a Bland Diet

The stomach needs to focus on digesting those bones. I recommend:

• Skip regular kibble for a couple days
• Offer small amounts of soft food like canned dog food
• Try some boiled chicken (boneless!) and rice
• Give a soft piece of bread to help cushion bone fragments

2. Ensure Hydration

Keep fresh water available at all times. Staying hydrated helps your dog’s digestive system process the bones more efficiently.

3. What NOT to Do

• Don’t give any over-the-counter medications – Especially antacids or Pepto-Bismol, as these can reduce stomach acid and actually delay the bone digestion process
• Don’t feed high-fiber foods – These can complicate the passing of bone fragments
• Don’t exercise vigorously – Keep activity levels moderate while digestion is happening

When to Contact Your Veterinarian

There’s no exact rule about how many chicken bones require a vet visit. It depends on your dog’s size, the amount and size of bones consumed, and any symptoms that develop.

Generally speaking:

• Medium to large dogs who eat a few small chicken wing bones often have zero issues
• Smaller dogs that ingest a large quantity may need veterinary support
• ANY dog showing symptoms listed above should see a vet promptly

What Your Vet Might Do

If you do need to see your veterinarian, they might recommend:

1. Physical Examination

Your vet will check your dog thoroughly for any signs of distress or complications.

2. X-rays

X-rays can show the location of bone fragments and help identify any potential blockages or perforations.

3. Fluids and Supportive Care

Some cases benefit from:

• IV fluids to maintain hydration
• Hospitalization for 24 hours in more serious cases
• Specialized gastrointestinal diets to help the stomach recover
• Probiotics to restore gut balance, especially if gastroenteritis develops

4. What Vets DON’T Do

Interestingly, vets typically avoid giving antacids for chicken bone ingestion. While it seems counterintuitive, stomach acid is actually your ally in breaking down those bones!

Potential Complications (Though Uncommon)

While most dogs handle chicken bones without incident, it’s good to be aware of possible complications:

• Choking: Bones can get stuck in the throat
• GI blockage: Large pieces or many bones could cause obstruction
• Perforation: Sharp fragments might puncture the digestive tract
• Gastroenteritis: Inflammation of the stomach and intestines
• Constipation: Multiple bone fragments can cause difficulty pooping

Chicken Bones vs. Other Bones

It’s worth noting that not all bones pose the same risk:

Chicken Bones

• Lightweight and lower in calcium
• Dissolve fairly easily in stomach acid
• Generally pass within 24-48 hours

Beef or Pork Bones

• Heavier and denser
• Don’t digest as easily
• Higher risk of obstruction or damage
• Require immediate veterinary attention if ingested

Prevention is Better Than Treatment

After dealing with my Buddy’s chicken bone incident, I became much more careful! Here are my top prevention tips:

• Keep food prep areas clear of pets
• Dispose of bones in secure trash containers
• Consider a pet gate to keep dogs out of the kitchen during meal prep
• Train a solid “leave it” command for emergencies
• Be extra cautious during BBQs or gatherings when food might be accessible

A Real Case Study

Last month, a client brought in their beagle mix who had eaten about 6 chicken wing bones. We took X-rays that showed multiple bone fragments in the stomach. After 24 hours of IV fluids and monitoring, a follow-up X-ray showed the stomach had successfully digested the bones! The dog went home with a special gastrointestinal diet for a few days and recovered completely.

Final Thoughts

While chicken bones can certainly cause problems, the good news is that most dogs will pass them without serious issues. Your dog’s stomach acid is powerful and designed to break down many things we might consider dangerous.

The key is careful monitoring, knowing the warning signs, and having a good relationship with your vet. When in doubt, always call your veterinary clinic for guidance tailored to your specific situation.

Have you ever had a chicken bone scare with your dog? What happened? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments!

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Disclaimer: This article is intended as a general guide and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian for specific concerns about your pet’s health.

A dog can show symptoms of sickness from chicken bones hours to several days after ingestion, or even up to a week, as the bones move through the digestive system. While many dogs will pass bones without issues, problems like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy can occur if the bone splinters cause internal damage, blockages, or infections.

If your dog ate chicken bones, immediately call your veterinarian for guidance, as bones can cause choking, internal blockages, or tears in the digestive tract. While waiting for veterinary advice, try to keep your dog calm and encourage them to drink water. Do not try to induce vomiting or give your dog anything other than its normal food or a bland diet recommended by your vet.

Whether your dog will be okay after eating a bone depends on the type of bone and how the dog’s digestive system handles it, but it’s crucial to monitor them for any signs of distress for at least 48-72 hours, as complications can arise hours or days later. Watch for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, or abdominal pain, and if any of these appear, contact your veterinarian immediately. For immediate assistance, you can also contact a veterinary professional for guidance on the best course of action.